Where do stomach acid come from?

"Have you ever wondered how your stomach breaks down the food you eat? 

 

Or maybe you're concerned about the health problems that can arise from having too much stomach acid?. Well, you've come to the right place! Let's explore the fascinating world of stomach acid together and answer all your burning questions. 

 

Did you know that the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, also known as stomach acid, which helps in breaking down the food we eat into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body? This production process is carried out by parietal cells found in the stomach lining.

 

 They secrete hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl-) into the stomach lumen, which combine to form hydrochloric acid (HCl), giving the stomach its acidic pH of around 1 to 3.

 

 But how is the production of stomach acid regulated? Factors such as the presence of food in the stomach, the release of certain hormones, and the nervous system all play a part. When we eat food, the stomach stretches, triggering the release of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid. 

 

Additionally, the release of acetylcholine, another hormone, also stimulates the production of stomach acid. Stomach acid is important for digestion as it breaks down proteins and kills harmful bacteria. But too much acid can cause health problems like acid reflux, ulcers, and gastritis. Balance is key. 

 

Source:-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric_acid.

Disclaimer:

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.

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Dr. Beauty Gupta

Published At: Nov 10, 2023

Updated At: Nov 6, 2024